Alexander felt considerably relieved by Lily's confident response, even if intended merely to reassure him. His anxiety lessened, and he chuckled, mimicking her tone: "I know my body well." Lily was speechless.

"How are things there?" Alexander changed the subject.

"Going well," she replied, loosening her hair and stretching her neck. She palmed her neck, looked up, glanced around, and then said blandly, "I can return to you and Galen once I complete this task. You two... just be careful."

Alexander knew the organization monitored her communications, making it sometimes difficult for her to speak freely, so he didn't press for clarification.

"I'll handle things here, so don't worry too much. If you experience any discomfort, you must tell me, okay?" After a pause, he sounded far more relaxed. "But I think you're not infected either." Lily was surprised.

"If you were, wouldn't everyone there be infected as well? Since they created it, they wouldn't risk infecting themselves, would they?" he reasoned.

"You're right," Lily agreed. "That's why you shouldn't worry too much. Let's monitor the situation first."

"Okay." After hanging up, Alexander felt a significant easing of tension. Though his words were partly intended for "someone" to overhear, his logic was sound. Since the symbiotes originated there, the creators would surely know if Lily were infected; they would suffer the same fate. This thought brought him considerable peace of mind.

Turning to return to his room, he nearly collided with Austin at the doorway. Seeing Austin rushing away, Alexander grabbed his sleeve. "Where are you going?"

"I have to get my parents and grandfather. They might be infected too." Austin's face was drawn, his eyes brimming with tears.

The man had recently endured a series of hardships. With Dominic's illness, he bore the burden alone, feeling even worse than during the symbiote's initial torment. Then he suffered physical pain; now, mental anguish consumed him. He couldn't articulate the guilt he felt witnessing his family's suffering.

"Wait!" Alexander stopped him. "Since you know it's infectious, and we haven't confirmed the transmission method, don't you think you might infect more people if you go?"

"I won't. I'll drive myself and leave immediately after picking them up. I won't contact anyone else," Austin insisted, his anxiety palpable. He was desperate to see his parents after hearing their weak voices on the phone.

"Once you leave the estate, how can you guarantee you won't spread it? Besides, how can you be sure your parents and grandfather haven't already spread the disease?" Alexander pressed, refusing to release his sleeve. They were unsure of the transmission method, but certain he was the source; therefore, he shouldn't be moving around.

Anxious, Austin wrenched his arm free, shouting, "I don't f*cking care!"